Colchicum macrophyllum (Colchicaceae), a protected hysteranthous geophyte is being investigated as a potential floricultural crop. In its natural habitat it exhibits seed dormancy and low germination. Dormancy and seed germination of C. macrophyllum were investigated by seeds pre-treated for 4 or 8 weeks in wet vermiculite at 5ºC, 20ºC or room temperature (R.T.) (20 ± 5ºC). The seeds were then incubated at 10, 15 or 20ºC in 12 h photoperiod or in darkness for 8 weeks. Seeds pre-treated at 5ºC for 4 and 8 weeks did not germinate under any of the treatments. However, pre-treatment at 20ºC or at room temperature for 4 and 8 weeks accelerated germination at 10 and 15ºC. Best results were recorded when seeds were pre-treated for 8 weeks at 20ºC and incubated at 15ºC (76%) or 10ºC (67%) in darkness. Light decreased germination percentage compared to darkness in all incubation temperatures. A possible explanation is that the embryo was not fully developed at the time of seed dispersal and a higher temperature for the pre-treatment favours its growth.